Warren Buffett Sold Nearly 80% of His Amazon Stake

The Amazon reduction brought Berkshire’s position down from around 10 million shares to just over 2 million.

Buffett steps down after many years of leadership.

Quick overview

  • Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, significantly reduced its stake in Amazon by approximately 77%, selling over 7 million shares worth around $1.8 billion.
  • This decision, made in the fourth quarter of 2025, also included trimming positions in other major tech companies like Apple.
  • Buffett's move reflects a strategy of valuation discipline and portfolio rebalancing rather than a negative outlook on Amazon.
  • In contrast, Berkshire initiated a new investment in The New York Times Company, aligning with Buffett's preference for businesses with stable revenues and strong brands.

Warren Buffett’s holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, sharply reduced its exposure to major tech stocks, including a significant cut to its position in Amazon.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 19: Philanthropist Warren Buffett is joined onstage by 24 other philanthropist and influential business people featured on the Forbes list of 100 Greatest Business Minds during the Forbes Media Centennial Celebration at Pier 60 on September 19, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage)

In one of his final moves at the helm, Buffett surprised markets by slashing Berkshire’s stake in Amazon by roughly 77%. According to regulatory filings, the firm sold more than 7 million shares, worth approximately $1.8 billion.

The decision came in the fourth quarter of 2025—the last under Buffett’s direct leadership as CEO. During that period, Berkshire broadly trimmed its exposure to large technology companies, including adjustments to Apple and other holdings.

The Amazon reduction brought Berkshire’s position down from around 10 million shares to just over 2 million, marking one of the most significant portfolio exits in recent quarters.

Why Buffett cut Amazon

Although Amazon was a relatively late addition to Berkshire’s portfolio—initiated in 2019—the move does not necessarily signal a negative view on the business. Instead, it reflects valuation discipline and a broader portfolio rebalancing in a demanding market environment.

At the same time, Berkshire initiated a new position in The New York Times Company, acquiring more than 5 million shares for roughly $350 million.

The shift reflects a “classic” Buffett approach: favoring businesses with stable revenues, strong brands, and subscription-based models. The New York Times fits that profile, with steady growth in digital subscribers and improving revenue trends.

The investment has already delivered short-term gains, with the stock rising meaningfully after Berkshire’s entry.

More broadly, the rotation away from Amazon highlights Buffett’s late-stage focus on understandable businesses with clear competitive advantages—while reducing exposure to companies more dependent on large-scale technological bets and heavy investment cycles.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Ignacio Teson
Economist and Financial Analyst
Ignacio Teson is an Economist and Financial Analyst. He has more than 7 years of experience in emerging markets. He worked as an analyst and market operator at brokerage firms in Argentina and Spain.

Related Articles

HFM

HFM rest

Pu Prime

XM

Best Forex Brokers